Major Chromaticism, Pt. 1

Major Chromaticism, Pt. 1

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence April 7, 2020 Duration: 53:52

This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Major Chromaticism, Pt. 1, to develop jazz improvisation vocabulary. Be sure to Download the Podcast Guide for this podcast that musically notates 12 jazz improvisation motifs using four different motion patterns—an invaluable educational tool to reference while studying and practicing this iconic progression and voicings. Download the Podcast Guide.

You can listen to this Podcast Episode at JazzPianoSkills and have access to the SpeakPipe Widget that allows you to speak immediately and directly to Dr. Bob Lawrence. Ask your questions, get answers, and interact one-on-one with Bob.

PODCAST LESSON OUTLINE

  1.  Chromatic Scale
    1. Fingering
      1. Google Search (plenty of good fingering charts)
        1. 1-3-1-3-1-2-3-1-3-1-3-1-2
    2. C Major 7
      1. Root to 3rd: 1-3-1-3-4
      2. 3rd to 5th: 3-1-2-3
      3. 5th to 7th: 1-3-1-3-4
  2. Ascending/Ascending Motion
    1. Pattern 1 (Demo 1)
      1. Chromaticism: Root up to minor 3rd
      2. Major Arpeggio: 3rd to Root (1st Inversion)
    2. Pattern 2 (Demo 2)
      1. Chromaticism: 3rd up to 5th
      2. Major Arpeggio: Root up to 5th (Root Position)
    3. Pattern 3 (Demo 3)
      1. Chromaticism: 5th up to minor 7th
      2. Major Arpeggio: Root up to 5th (Root Position)
  3. Ascending/Descending  Motion
    1. Pattern 1 (Demo 4)
      1. Chromaticism: Root up to minor 3rd
      2. Major Arpeggio: 3rd down to 5th (3rd Inversion)
    2. Pattern 2 (Demo 5)
      1. Chromaticism: 3rd up to 5th
      2. Major Arpeggio: 3rd down to 5th (2nd Inversion)
    3. Pattern 3 (Demo 6)
      1. Chromaticism: 5th up to minor 7th
      2. Major Arpeggio: 7th down to 3rd (Major Fragment)
  4. Descending/Descending  Motion
    1. Pattern 1 (Demo 7)
      1. Chromaticism: Root down to Sixth
      2. Major Arpeggio: 5th to Root (Root Position)
    2. Pattern 2 (Demo 8)
      1. Chromaticism: 3rd down to b2
      2. Major Arpeggio: Root to 3rd (1st inversion)
    3. Pattern 3 (Demo 9)
      1. Chromaticism: 5th down to Major 3rd
      2. Major Arpeggio: Root down to 3rd (1st Inversion)
  5. Descending/Ascending Motion
    1. Pattern 1 (Demo 10)
      1. Chromaticism: Root down to 6th
      2. Major Arpeggio: Root up to 5th (Root Position)
    2. Pattern 2 (Demo 11)
      1. Chromaticism: 3rd down to b2
      2. Major Arpeggio: Root up to 5th (Root Position)
    3. Pattern 3 (Demo 12)
      1. Chromaticism: 5th down to Major 3rd
      2. Major Arpeggio: 5th up to 3rd (2nd Inversion)

Visit JazzPianoSkills.com for a comprehensive curriculum of jazz piano courses and lessons exploring the essential jazz piano skills used by professional jazz pianists.

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There's a certain magic in hearing a great jazz pianist, a feeling that it's both complex and effortless. Jazz Piano Skills pulls back the curtain on that magic, transforming it into a clear, practical path forward. Hosted by Dr. Bob Lawrence, an educator and the President of The Dallas School of Music, this series feels less like a lecture and more like a series of private sessions. Each episode focuses on a tangible skill, breaking down the theory, harmony, and technique that define the jazz language. You'll hear Bob at the keyboard, demonstrating chord voicings, improvisational patterns, and rhythmic concepts, explaining the 'why' behind every note. Whether you're deciphering a standard or building a solo from scratch, the guidance is always rooted in practical application. This podcast is designed for those who want to move beyond simply playing notes on a page and start speaking through the instrument. It’s a deep, methodical exploration of the art form, offering structured lessons that build upon each other. Tune in and find your voice at the keys, learning directly from a professional whose teaching strips away the intimidation and fuels genuine musical growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 332

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